MALAYSIA’S poverty line (PGK) will be revised and likely amended in the first quarter of next year, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.

Economy Minister Mustapa Mohamed said the Statistics Department will review the poverty rate in the current PGK, which is RM2,208 for households and RM1,169 for hardcore poor households.

“This figure will be reviewed and is expected to be amended in the first quarter of next year,” he said during the Question and Answer Session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the government, under the 12th Malaysia Plan, is committed to improving the lives of the hardcore poor via a comprehensive approach.

The poverty rate has significantly changed over the past five decades, influenced by the overall economic growth rate, which was encouraging during that period, and New Economic Policy, he added.

“However, the country is still facing challenges and issues, such as the poor still exist in urban and rural areas, and Orang Asli communities.

“The issues of low salary and wage, as well as development inequality between regions and states and urban and rural areas, still exist. Covid-19 has also had a big impact on household income.”

Mustapa was responding to a question from Tan Kok Wai (Cheras-PH) on the income gap in the country, poverty in urban and rural areas, and achievements and failures of programmes planned and implemented by the government to create a more equitable society. – Bernama, March 7, 2022.